Husqvarna Cycles Mountain Cross MC1 The Husqvarna Mountain Cross MC1 is a modern electric mountain bike (e-MTB) designed for off-road performance, combining Husqvarna’s heritage in motorcycling with cutting-edge e-bike technology.
Motor & Performance
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- Bosch Performance Line CX Motor: Offers 85 Nm of torque, providing strong pedal assistance up to 25 km/h (Europe) or 20 mph (USA).
- 750Wh Battery: Long-range capacity for extended trail rides.
- 4 Assistance Modes (Eco, Tour, e MTB, Turbo) + Walk Assist.
Frame & Suspension
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- Aluminum Frame: Lightweight yet durable with aggressive geometry for trail handling.
- 150mm Travel Suspension Fork: Absorbs rough terrain impacts (model-specific, some variants may differ).
Drivetrain & Brakes
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- Shimano DEORA 12-Speed: Reliable shifting for varied terrain.
- Mag URA MT5 Hydraulic Disc Brakes: 4-piston setup for strong stopping power.
Wheels & Tires
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- 29-inch Wheels: Improved rollover capability on rough trails.
- Aggressive Tread Tires: Max XIS or similar for grip on loose/rocky surfaces.
Design & Extras
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- Motocross-Inspired Styling: Reflects Husqvarna’s off-road heritage.
- Dropper Seat post: Enhances control on descents.
Target Audience:
- Trail & End URO Riders: Suitable for technical single track and aggressive riding.
- E-MTB Enthusiasts: Riders seeking powerful electric assistance for climbing and long adventures.
Competitors:
- Specialized Turbo LEVO
- Trek Rail
- Hai bike All MTN
Price Range:
- Typically €4,000–€5,500 (varies by region and specs).
Design & Heritage
Husqvarna, known for its motocross and off-road motorcycles, brings that aggressive DNA to its e-bikes. The MC1 features:
- Motocross-inspired styling (sharp lines, black/orange/white color schemes).
- High front end & low bottom bracket for confident cornering.
2. Motor & Battery System
- Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 4)
- 85 Nm torque – one of the strongest mid-drive motors for steep climbs.
- 750Wh battery (removable for charging) – up to 120 km (75 mi) range in Eco mode.
- 4 Riding Modes:
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- Eco (max efficiency)
- Tour (balanced assist)
- e MTB (auto-adjusts to terrain)
- Turbo (full power for climbs/tech sections)
- Walk Assist – helps push the bike up un ride able sections.
- Smart System (Optional on Some Models)
- Bluetooth connectivity (via Bosch Flow app).
- LED remote with range estimation.
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3. Suspension & Handling
- Fork: 150mm travel (Rock SHOX 35 Gold RL or similar).
- Rear Shock: Some models feature a rear linkage for progressive damping.
- Dropper Post: 125–150mm travel (for quick seat height adjustment on descents).
4. Drivetrain & Brakes
- Shimano DEORA 12-speed (1×12) – wide gear range for climbing.
- Mag URA MT5 4-piston brakes – 203mm rotors for strong stopping power.
- E-MTB specific components (reinforced chain, motor-protecting skid plate).
5. Tires & Wheels
- Max XIS Minion DHF/DHR (or similar aggressive tread) for grip.
- Tubeless-ready rims (reduces flats, allows lower tire pressure).
6. Who Is It For?
- Trail & End URO Riders – Handles rough descents and steep climbs.
- Adventure Explorers – Big battery for all-day rides.
- Motocross Fans – Husqvarna’s off-road heritage appeals to motorcycle riders.
Why Choose the MC1 Over Rivals?
- Better value than Specialized/Trek (similar specs, lower price).
- Bigger battery than Trek Rail 5.
- Motocross-inspired toughness (Husqvarna’s off-road legacy).
8. Known Issues?
- Weight (~24 kg) – typical for e-MTBs but heavy for manual lifting.
- Bosch motor noise – louder than Shimano EP8 but not excessive.
- Limited dealer network (compared to Giant/Trek).
9. Upgrades & Customization
- Carbon wheels (lighter, stronger).
- Fox 36 fork (for more aggressive riders).
- Cush Core inserts (for better tire stability in rocks).
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- Best For: Riders who want a powerful, well-SPECCED e-MTB with motocross styling at a mid-range price.
- Avoid If: You want the lightest e-MTB or prefer ultra-silent motors.
HOT TAKE: The MC1 Isn’t Just a Bike – It’s a “Gateway Drug” to E-End URO
Husqvarna Cycles Mountain Cross MC1 Husqvarna took their motocross swagger, slapped it on an e-MTB, and created something that feels like a dirt bike but pedals like a mountain bike. But is it all hype? Let’s dissect it.
POWERTRAIN: Bosch CX – The Beast Mode Button
- 85Nm torque means it chews up climbs like a hungry chainsaw.
- EMTB mode is genius – automatically adjusts power based on terrain (no button mashing).
- But… The 750Wh battery is non-negotiable – smaller batteries (like Trek’s 625Wh) leave you stranded on epic rides.
- Real-world range:
- Turbo mode: ~40-50km (full send, big climbs)
- Eco mode: ~100-120km (marathon mode)
- Pro Tip: The Walk Assist is a lifesaver when you’re pushing up a 30% grade hike-a-bike section.
SUSPENSION: The “Good Enough” Compromise
- Rock SHOX 35 Gold RL fork (150mm) – solid for trail riding, but not elite.
- Weak point: It’s a budget fork – riders who charge hard will want a Fox 36 or LYRIK upgrade.
- Rear suspension: Basic Horst-link design – predictable but not as plush as high-end bikes.
- Dropper post (125-150mm) – decent, but long-legged riders may want 170mm+.
- Verdict: It’s not a full End URO sled, but it’ll handle 90% of trail abuse before crying for upgrades.
HANDLING: The “Motocross DNA” Difference
- Long wheelbase + slack head angle = stable at speed (feels like a downhill bike on descents).
- Short chain stays = surprisingly nimble in tight corners.
- But… The high front end can feel awkward for shorter riders.
- Best For: Riders who like to go fast and straight rather than flick through techy sections.
WEAKNESSES (The Brutal Truth)
- Weight (24kg+) – Lifting onto bike racks? Good luck.
- Basic suspension – Fine for most, but aggressive riders will upgrade fast.
- Bosch motor buzz – Not silent like Shimano EP8.
- Limited aftermarket support – Fewer tuning options than Specialized/Trek.
UPGRADE PATH: Making It a Monster
- Husqvarna Cycles Mountain Cross MC1 Fork Upgrade: Swap to Fox 36/Fox 38 for big hits.
- Wheels: Go carbon (We Are One, DT Swiss) for stiffness.
- Brakes: Mag URA MT7 if you’re a brake dragger.
RESALE VALUE?
- Husqvarna’s motor cycle rep helps, but e-MTBs depreciate fast.
- Expect ~60% value after 2 years if kept in good shape.
FINAL VERDICT: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy It?
Buy It If:
- You want motocross vibes + e-MTB power.
- You prioritize battery life over ultra-plush suspension.
- You like aggressive geometry for fast descents.
Avoid It If:
- You’re a weight weenie (it’s heavy).
- You want the smoothest suspension (budget fork holds it back).
- You’re a techy trail rider (slack head angle isn’t nimble).
- Rating: 8.5/10 – A near-perfect all-rounder e-MTB with a few compromises.
THE RAW TRUTH: THIS BIKE WAS DESIGNED BY MOTOCROSS PSYCHOS
Husqvarna didn’t just build an e-MTB – they built a pedal-assisted dirt bike that happens to be legal on trails. The MC1’s DNA shows in:
- Brutalist frame design with motorcycle-style downtube armor
- Overbuilt pivot hardware (uses moto-grade bearings)
- “F*CK subtlety” orange accents that scream through the trees
- Pro Tip: That massive 750Wh battery isn’t just for range – it’s positioned to mimic a motocross fuel tank weight distribution.
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